Japan Secondary Aluminium Alloy Output, Shipment Hits Record in 2007

Japanese secondary alloyed aluminium ingot output and shipment hit record in 2007, announced by Japan Aluminium Alloy Refiners Association on Friday. The output increased by 4.2% to 1.112 million tonnes and the shipment increased by 4.7% to 1.12 million tonnes in 2007 from record in 2006. The output and shipment increased for 6 years in a row under strong demand for automobile. The main products of castings and die-castings shipment increased in 2007 from 2006. The users of die-casting makers’ output is expected to increase by 3.2% to record 1.159 million tonnes in 2007 from 2006. The alloyed aluminium ingot shipment was firm. The alloyed aluminium makers keep full capacity operations in January. However, a maker source said the automobile industry shows uncertainty for April when North American automobile demand could drop due to US subprime loan impact. Japanese alloyed aluminium demand could decrease if automotive parts export would decrease. The demand depends on developing countries including China and India, growth of which could cover the minus in North America.